Separating device



May 12, 1953 K. HEINDLHOFER SEPARATING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 3, 1949 w mg. 1 +1 INVENTOR.

w H w m H M M M K y 1953 K. HEINDLHOFER 2,638,177

SEPARATING DEVICE Filed June 3, 1949 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

MLMA/Y/ HE/NDL Hare- Patented May 12, 1953 S EPARATING DEVICE Kalman Heindlhofer, Erie, Pa., assignor to J. A.

Zurn Manufacturing Company, Erie, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application June 3, 1949, Serial No. 96,935

10 Claims. 1

This invention relates generally to separating devices for separating one or more liquids or solids from one or more heavier liquids or solids and more particularly toseparating devices by which one or more liquids or solids are separated from one or more heavier liquids or solids by gravity.

Separating devices and more particularly grease interceptors now in use and made in accordance with the teachings of the prior art and with which I am familiar consist of a separating chamber into which the waste liquid is admitted at a relatively high initial velocity. This relatively great velocity is then slowed down in the separating chamber and thus a quiescent state is produced which facilitates separation of the light phase such as grease from the heavy phase such as Water.

In the existing interceptors, the slowing down is accomplished by a transverse bafiie which is usually placed in the path of the entering liquid stream. It is true that the impact of the waste liquid against the baifle tends to slow down the flow rate; nevertheless, considerable turbulence is induced by the impact tending to prevent a fully eiTective separation.

In my proposed arrangement, however, this impact is completely avoided, since the incoming waste liquid, a mixture of heavy and light phases,

is made to pass through a gradually widening or divergent channel causing a gradual, smooth reduction of the higher velocity of the incoming mixed liquid. Since impact is avoided, this flow is relatively free from the disturbing turbulence.

Separation of the light from the heavy phase is thereby allowed to proceed in an undisturbed manner. Since, however, the rise of the lighter phase is slow, the process of separation requires a certain length of time. The longer this time is, the more complete separation occurs. It is, therefore, desirable to permit a maximum amount of time to elapse for maximum separation. This may be accomplished in two distinct ways, namely, by reducing the velocity of fiowby the gradual enlargement of the cross section of the flow and also by making the path of flow as long as compatible with the size of the interceptor. These two requirements are effected by the application of a tapering channel which is narrow at the entering end and wide at the exit end. To make the path as long as possible, the tapering channel is so arranged as to cause the waste liquid to flow from one end of the separating chamber to the opposite end and then to reverse the direction of flow and complete the path from the far back to the near end of the intercepting chamber, at which point the outflow aperture is placed. If space permits it, the flow may be reversed once more, causing the liquid to flow for- Y ward once more. In this case, the outflow aperture is at the forward end. Preferably, the path of flow thus described is essentially parallel to the bottom plane of the separating chamber and adjacent thereto. During this flow of the mixed 1 phase waste liquid, the lighter phase is given ample opportunity to rise in a vertical direction and to collect at thetop part of the separating chamber. It is advantageous to arrange the inflow and the outflow apertures close to the bottom of the chamber, thus keeping the entire path of flow of the waste liquidas low as possible. By this arrangement, a stirring up of the already separated light phase such as grease is avoided.

The principal features of my invention are characterized by (1) a gradually enlargedcross section of the channel through which the incomin waste liquid is made to flow causing a smooth non-turbulent reduction of the velocity of flow; (2.) a lengthening of the path of flow to allow as much time as possible for the light phase to separate from the heavy; and (3) avoidance of remixing of the already separated phase with the incoming waste liquid.

The eiiect of these three factors is an improved separation, especially in a nearly full interceptor. This leads to an increase capacity of the interceptor compatible with high elficiency of retention of the relatively light phase such as grease. An effective utilization of space will result from such an arrangement which fact is of importance in all applications but chiefly in those in which the space, assignable to the interceptor, is limited.

It is, accordingly, an object of my invention to provide a separator for matter of varying densities which is simple in construction, economical in cost, economical in manufacture, and ef- .ficient in operation.

.Another object of my invention is to provide a separator for matter of varying densities which has a comparatively large capacity for agiven size of intercepting chamber.

Another object of my invention is to provide a separator for matter of varying densities which has a divergent flow orifice in alignment with the inlet of the separator.

Another object of my invention is to provide a .novel removable liquid guide assemblyina separator for matter of varying densities to minimize the turbulence of the liquid matter.

Another object of my invention is to provide a separator for matter of varying densities which permits variation in the liquid level in the separating chamber practically without loss of floatable matter through the outlet of the separator.

Another object of my invention is to provide a separator for matter of varying densities which separates one or more lighter liquids or solids from one or more heavier liquids or solids by gravity.

Another object of my invention is to provide a separator for matter of varying densities for use in waste lines from plumbing fixtures or in any other system to prevent the discharge of grease, oils, gasoline, or any other lighter material mixed with water, to the sewer or drain line.

Another object of my invention is to provide a separating device for use in a liquid line which provides a chamber in which grease, oil, gasoline, or other liquids or solids of relatively low density may be removed or separated from waste water or other liquids or solids of relatively high density.

Another object of my invention is to provide a separator for matter of varyingv densities wherein air may be removed from the incoming liquid to prevent air pockets from forming in the separator.

Another object of my invention is to provide a separator for substances of different density which permits wide variations in the height of liquids and solids in flotation.

Another object of my invention is to provide a separator for substances of different density wherein practically no change in the efliciency of the separator is made by a change in the rate of the flow of liquid into the separator.

Another object of my invention is to provide a separator for substances of different density which minimizes siphonage.

Another object of my invention is to provide a separator for substances of different densities which permits the liquid entering the separator to flow a maximum distance before it is mixed with the .liquid in the intercepting chamber of the separator.

Another object of my invention is to provide a separator for substances of different densities which permits low level, horizontal circulation of the liquid entering the separator.

Other objects of my invention will become evident from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a top plan view or my novel separator with the cover removed;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the removable assembly forming the flow channels and air vent in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a modified form of flow guide assembly for providing flow channels in a separator as shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in Fig. 4; and

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of a modified form of any fiow guide assembly shown in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive.

Referring now to the drawings, I show in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive an open container I having an inlet 2 and an outlet 3 in the ends 5 and 5 thereof, respectively. A transverse, vertical baflie 6 is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom 8 of the container I and it is spaced laterally a predetermined distance from the upwardly extending bafile I to provide a passageway 9 for fluid which passes over the weir ill to the outlet 3 of the container 4. An air vent H i formed in the upper portion of the b aille 6 by means of an ofiset lip l2 spaced from the top of the container 5 and a depending bafiie it which extends below the top of the weir W a sufiicient distance to provide a trap. The bafile i3 extends below the weir 10 under normal conditions a sufficient distance to provide a seal but it provides a ready escape of air or gases from a separating chamber i i under abnormal circumstances. The lip H extends approximately to the top cover 15 of the container l in order that there will be no overflow of liquid or floatable matter through the air vent H. The cover 15 seats in a marginal oiiset flanged portion it on the upper side of the container i and it is held or secured in place by a headed, threaded rod I? which engages an internally threaded boss I8 extending upwardly from the bottom 8 of the container i. A cleanout opening I9 is provided at the top of the outlet end of the container l for cleaning the outlet passage 9 and the outlet passage i905 leading to the outlet 3 in the container l.

The weir l 9 preferably extends horizontally the entire width of the container 5 and it is of substantially greater width than the diameter of the outlet 3. The height of the weir it is determined by the desired static head of the predominant liquid in the separating chamber Hi. When liquid is discharging over the weir Hi to the outlet 3, the overflow will be a comparatively thin sheet of liquid thereby maintaining the liquid level in the separating chamber Hi within very narrow limits, regardless of the variations in the rate of flow of the liquid to the inlet 2 of the container I.

Now coming to the gist of my invention, I show in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 removable liquid flow guide assembly 2| disposed in the separating chamber I l for forming the flow passages therein to slow down the flow of liquid entering the inlet 2 of the container l. The assembly 2! is shown removed from the container I in Fig. 3. The assembly 2| comprises a horizontal baliie 22 spaced from the bottom 8 of the container I and below the inlet 2 thereof by legs 23. A vertically extending air vent 24, having wings 25 with slots 2% for engaging headed pin bolts Zl on the inner side of the end of the container I, serves to suspend the flow guide assembly 2| and allows en-- trained air in the entering liquid to escape. The purpose of spacing the horizontal baflie 22 of the flow guide assembly 2| from the bottom 8 of the container 1 is to provide a space for the outflow of already separated heavy phase liquid at the bottom of the separating chamber Hi. Opposed, reversely bent, vertically extending bafiies or guide members 23 have the inner portions 29 thereof spaced in opposed relationship to form a diverging flow channel or passageway til in alignment with the aperture 36 in the vent stack 26 and with the inlet 2 of the container l. The outer portions 32 of the members 28 are spaced from the inner sides of the container i forming flow channels or passageways 60 on opposite sides of the separating chamber [4 to provide for the reverse flow or" liquid after it passes from the flow channel 39 and around the rounded ends 33 of the members 23. The outer sides 3: of the members 28 have the ends thereof turned in-- Wardly to decrease resistance to the flow of liquid through the opening 34 to the apertures 35 in the horizontal bafile 22 disposed between the inher and outer portions 29 and 32 of the members 2 8. A cover 36 is disposed over the inner portions 29. of the members 28 to close the diverging flow channel 30 and it extends over the enclosure formed by the inner and outer portions 29 and 32 of the members 28. The cover 36 extends completely over the endv of the separating chamber I 4 opposite to the inlet 2 of the container I. Portions 38 of the cover 36 are bent downwardly and curved inwardly to decrease the resistance to flow of liquid to the enclosures formed by the inner and outer portions 29 and 32 of the members 28. q

In operation, my novel separating device is connected to the drain from a plumbing fixture or in any other installation or system wherein it is desired to separate one or more relatively light liquids or solids from one or more relatively heavy liquids or solids. The liquid passes into the inlet 2 of the containerl where it'passes through the aperture 3I in the vent stack 24 to the divergent inflow channel 3!! wherein the rate of the flow of liquid slows down as the channel 30 widens towards its end. The inlet 2 is placed as low as possible in the container I to eiTect an inflow at the lowest possible level in the separating chamber I4. The passage of liquid from the channel 30 continues around the rounded ends 33 of the members 28 and in a reverse direction in the passageways 60 formed between the outer portions 32 of the members 25 and the inner sides of the separating chamber I4. At the termination 40 of the closed portions of the passageways fill,

the liquid, which has been greatly slowed down, meets the liquid in the separating chamber I4. The liquid in the separating chamber I4 contacted by the inflowing waste liquid is the predominant or heavy phase liquid in the lower portion thereof in that the flow is at the lowest level' liquid in my design is considerably longer than the corresponding paths in interceptors now in use since by'reversing the path of the flow of waste liquid, the length of path is doubled. The reversing of the path of flow of the incoming liquid adds substantially to the time of stay of the liquid in the separating chamber I4. The predominant or heavy phase liquid in the separating chamber I4 is finally guided outwardly along'the bottom of the container I to the passageway 9 and over the weir I0 to the outlet 3 of the container I.

In initially operating my device, the liquid entering the'inlet 2 of the container I first passes through the passageways 30 and into the separating chamber l4 and gradually fills it to a level in a horizontal plane with the top of the weir I0 wherein the liquid passes to the outlet 3 of the container I. Grease, gasoline, oil, or any other liquid or solid lighter than the predominant or heavy phase liquid, such as water, floats to the top of the predominant or heavier phase liquid in the separating chamber l4 where only negligible turbulence exists. The grease or other floatable matter may vary in thickness over wide limits without substantially reducing the efficiency of 6. my novel separating device because of the greatly reduced turbulence of the water and because there is no disturbing flow of waste liquids directly into the already separated phase. An added improvement is that any air which may be carried by the waste liquid is allowed to pass out throughthe air vent stack 24 before it could reach the passageway 3!] in the separating chamber I4.

In Figs. 4 and 5. I show a modified form of my flow guide assembly which may be disposed in the container I shown in Figs. 1 and 2 instead of the flow guide assembly 2|. A frusto-conical shaped tubular member AI having a flange 42 on the small endthereof is aligned with the inlet 2 of the container I. Diverging, vertically extending baiiles 43 are spaced in parallel relationship from the outer sides of the tubular member M and from the inner sides of the container I. A horizontal baflie 44 having legs 45 and a supporting bracket 46 is disposed on the bottom of the container I and the tubular member 4! is secured thereto by a strap ll. Apertures 48 are formed in the horizontal baffle 44 adjacent the inlet end of the tubular member 4|. The operation of my separator with this form of flow guide assembly therein is essentially the same as that described for my separating device shown inFigs. 1 to 3 inclusive in that the tubular member AI admitting the incoming liquid to be separated diverges outwardly to slow down the rate of flow of the liquid and the liquid passes in a return direction around the outer sides of the vertical bafiles 43 wherein it is dissipated through the apertures 48 in the horizontal bafile 44 whereby it passes underneath the baffle 44 to the outlet of the container I the same as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

In Fig. 6, I show a modified form of my novel liquid guide assembly 2! shown in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive. Flow guides in the form of'appropriately curved bailles are provided in conjunction with a divergent inflow orifice or passagetosmooth out and to slow down the horizontal flow of liquid passing into the separating chamber. A vertical.- ly extending, V-shaped guiding baffle 56 is dis: posed on one end of the horizontal bafile 56 at the midpoint thereof and. curved guiding bafiles 5i are disposed intermediate the sides of baffle 50 and rounded ends 5'? of the flow guides 54 to guide the flow of liquid to minimize the turbulence thereof. The operation of this modification of my invention is the same and similar in action to that described for my separator shown in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive except that'the guiding baffles 50 and 5! are added to further smooth the fiow of waste liquid through the separating chamber I4 to decrease turbulence of the liquid.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the principle of my invention is to provide a diverging passageway for the liquid to be separated to decrease its velocity and to increase the length of the path of flow thereof by providing passageways for the reverse flow of the liquid at'a low horizontal level in a separating chamber to avoid discharging the entering liquid to be separated into the separated phase. Thepath 'of the flow of liquid may be increased by increasing the number of bafiles or other flow guides without departing from my invention.

It will be evident from the foregoing description that I have provided a novel separating device for separating liquids of different densities or for separating solids suspended in liquids, having diflerent densities from the liquids, by gravity, novel means for slowing down the velocity of the flow of liquid entering the separating chamber so as to retain the lighter liquids or lighter solids in the separating chamber and minimize turbulence therein, which permits heavy fluctuations in the flow of liquids to the separating chamber without affecting the efliciency of separation, which permits a maximum amount of floatable matter to be held in flotation, and which provides simple means for removing the floatable matter from the separating chamber.

Various changes may be made in the specific embodiment of my invention without departing from the spirit thereof or from the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A separator for separating matter of varying densities comprising a container having an inlet and an outlet in the lower portion thereof, a diverging passageway formed by opposed inner bafiies leading from said inlet, and outer bafiles spaced from the outer walls of said container for providing a reverse path for the flow of liquid emanating from said diverging passageway.

A separator as set forth in claim 1 wherein said container has an apertured horizontal bafiie spaced from the bottom of said container.

3. A separator as set forth in claim 1 wherein spaced, transverse, vertically extending baiiles are disposed adjacent said outlet, the baffle adjacent said outlet being spaced from the top of said container and the other bailie having an outlet in the bottom portion thereof.

4. A separator for separating matter of varying densities comprising a container having an inlet and an outlet in the lower portion thereof, a vertical bafiie having an aperture in the bottom thereof defining a separating chamber adjacent said inlet, a second vertical baffle extending upwardly a predetermined distance from the bottom of said container and spaced from said first mentioned bafiie adjacent the outlet of said container, a horizontal baffle in said separating chamber having apertures for the outflow of liquid therefrom which flows beneath said horizontal bafile through the aperture in said first mentioned baiile and outwardly over said second mentioned baffle to said outlet, diverging, opposed, vertically extending baflies on said horizontal bafile, and a cover for said baffles forming a diverging passageway for the flow of liquid entering said separating chamber.

5. A separator as set forth in claim 4 wherein said first vertical baiile forms an air vent stack disposed adjacent said inlet of said container.

6. A separator for separating matter of varying densities comprising a container, a vertically extending, transverse bailie spaced from the bottom of said container defining a separating chamber therein adjacent said inlet, a second vertically extending, transverse bafiie spaced from said first mentioned bafile and from the outlet in said con tainer extending upwardly a predetermined distance from the bottom of said container, an apertured horizontal baffle in said separating chamber of said container disposed adjacent the bottom thereof. and spaced therefrom, opposed, reversely bent, vertically extending flow guide members on said horizontal baffle defining a diverging passageway from the inlet of said container and outer passageways for the reverse flow of liquid entering said container, and a cover for said vertical flow guide members to enclose said diverging passageway for liquid entering said container, said horizontal bafile having the apertures therein partially enclosed by said reversely bent flow guide members to dissipate the heavy phase liquid when it has passed through said diverging passageway and reversely through said outer passageways whereby it flows underneath said first mentioned transverse bafiie and over said second mentioned transverse baffle to said outlet.

7. A separator as set forth in claim 6 wherein an air vent stack is disposed adjacent said inlet of container.

8. A separator for separating matter of varying densities comprising a container having an inlet and an outlet in the lower portion thereof and a separating chamber adjacent said inlet, a removable liquid flow guide assembly in said separating chamber comprising an apertured horizontal baflie spaced from the bottom of said container and below said inlet, opposed, reversely bent, vertically extending flew guide members forming a central divergent passageway for liquid entering said inlet of said container and outer return passageways therefor, the apertures in said horizontal baflie being disposed between said reversely bent flow guide members, and curved guiding baiiles disposed adjacent the ends of said reversely bent baiiies for smoothing out and slowing up the flow of liquid in said passageways.

9. A separator as set forth in claim 8 wherein an air stack connected with said guide assembly is provided adjacent said inlet.

10. A separator as set forth in claim 9 wherein said air stack has outwardly extending slotted wings for engaging spaced pins on a. wall of said container to support said liquid flow guide assembly.

KALMAN HEINDLHOFER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 828,515 Schmidt Aug. 14, 1906 1,116,903 McClintock Nov. 10, 1914 1,407,936 Crosby Feb. 28, 1922 1,754,119 Pink Apr. 8, 1930 1,778,326 Kutzer Oct. 14, 1930 2,076,380 Marsh Apr. 6, 1937 2,201,282 Arndt May 21, 1940 2,260,920 Shenk Oct. 28, 1941 2,277,254 Ridge et al Mar. 24, 1942 2,422,555 Karlson et al June 17, 1947 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 9,770 Great Britain Apr. 25, 1913 

